Late Functional Outcome Research Articles

Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis for Distal Radius Fractures: Are There Any Advantages Against Conventional Technique?

Purpose of the study — to illustrate the potential and to evaluate the late term results of minimally invasive plate fixation for distal radius fractures (DRF) and compare it to the treatment outcomes for patients with similar injuries where internal fixation was performed through conventional volar surgical approach. Material and Methods. 96 patients with DRF fractures were included into the study who underwent volar plate fixation by with angular stability. The main group included 42 patients (29 women and 13 men) with DMR where minimally invasive volar approach was used. Mean age of patients was 38 years (from 21 to 57 years). Control group consisted of 54 patients (33 women and 21 men) with mean age of 43 years (from 26 to 64 years) who underwent fracture stabilization via conventional volar approach. Minimal follow up after surgery and discharge was 3 months. In the late period roentgenological, functional and cosmetic outcomes were evaluated as well as patients’ satisfaction by QuickDASH-9 survey. Results. 95 patients (98.9%) demonstrated fracture consolidation in terms up to 6 weeks irrespective of surgical technique which was confirmed by X-rays during control examination. In one female patient (1.1%) consolidation following minimally invasive plating was not achieved even in one year after surgery which was considered as distal radius pseudarthrosis but featuring excellent functional outcome. Surgery time for minimally invasive fixation was 47 (41;53) minutes and for conventional surgical approach – 43 (37;46) minutes (р = 0.731). Mean time of image intensifier use during internal fixation averaged 54 (47;63) seconds during minimally invasive technique and 33 (29;37) seconds for conventional open technique (р = 0.046). Statistically significant larger flexion and extension ranges, pronation and supination angles as well as higher grip force were observed in the group of minimally invasive internal fixation in 1, 2 and 3 months after the surgery (р0.001). Statistically lower scores for QuickDASH-9 survey were reported for the main group in 2 and 3 months postoperatively (р0.001). Cosmetic results were better in patients after minimally invasive approach. Conclusion. Minimally invasive plating fixation of DRF is the efficient and relatively safe surgical option for such injuries. The key arguments for such approach: preservation of bone vascularization which minimally slows down fracture healing, reduced risk of infectious complications, fast functional wrist recovery already in early postoperative period as well as satisfaction of patients with cosmetic effects.

Study of patellar fractures treated with modified tension band technique

Introduction: Patella fractures are common and it constitutes about 1% of all skeletal injuries resulting from either direct or indirect trauma. The subcutaneous location of the patella makes it vulnerable to direct trauma as in dashboard injuries or a fall on the flexed knee, whereas violent contraction of the quadriceps results in indirect fractures of patella. These fractures are usually transverse and are associated with tears of medial or lateral retinacular expansions. In this study a series of 30 cases of fracture patella were studied after treating with Modified Tension Band Wiring technique.Methods: This prospective study was done in Department of Orthopaedics at Balaji Institute of surgery research and rehabilitation for the disabled (BIRRD) Hospital, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh during the period from November 2013 to May 2015 over a period of one and half year. This study consists of 30 cases of fracture patella treated by modified tension band wiring. The cases were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria 1.All closed and type I and type IIopen displaced transverse patellar fractures. 2.Transverse fracture with displacement of more than 2 to 3 mm and articular step of more than 2mm. 3.Comminuted fractures where reconstruction and fixation by modified tension band wiring is possible. Exclusion criteria 1.Type III compound fractures. 2.Grossly comminuted, vertical or marginal fractures. 3.Old fractures (more than 2-3 weeks). 4.Pathological fractures. Conclusion: Our study shows that modified tension band wiring is a definitive procedure in management of displaced transverse patellar fracture with least complications and also helps for early mobilization post-operatively. In our study we observed excellent result in 86.6% and good in about 10% and poor in 3.3% of cases. 4 Out of 30 cases had complications. Early post-operative Physiotherapy is a very essential tool of success in the management of these fractures, which helps in reducing complication like stiffness of knee and in providing good function. Long-term follow up is necessary to assess late complications like osteoarthritis and late functional outcome.

No ischemia technique, parenchymal preservation and age are the most important determinants of renal function after partial nephrectomy

The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes of Off-Clamp to On -Clamp approach during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). Retrospective study of 940patients who underwent a RAPN between 2007 and 2015 for cT1a tumors using On-Clamp or Off-Clamp approaches. Patient with solitary kidney or multifocal were excluded. Overall, 103patients underwent Off-Clamp approach and 37 patients On-Clamp approach. We matched the patients in terms of tumor size, Charlson comorbidity index and R.E.N.A.L. score. At all, 309patients from the On-Clamp were matched to the Off-Clamp group. We compared the clinic-pathological characteristics, perioperative morbidity and late functional outcomes between the 2 propensity score matched groups. Limitation included retrospective analysis. After matching, there were no difference in clinic-pathological characteristics in terms of gender, age, race, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR), tumor size, R.E.N.A.L. score complexity, hilar (H) location between the 2groups. Regarding perioperative outcomes; while operative time (P=0,4), estimated blood loss (P=0,28), Clavien grade III-IV complications (P=0,8) surgical reoperation (P=1), 30-day readmission (P=1), positive surgical margin (5,5% vs. 5,8%, P=0,9) were comparable between the 2 groups, there were significant difference in excisional volume loss (median, 7,08 vs. 3,51cm3, P<0,01), e-GFR decline (median, -9,7 vs. -2,2ml/min/1,73 m2, P<0,01), percent of e-GFR preservation (median, 87% vs. 97%, P<0,01), and CKD upstaging (36,5% vs. 23,3%, P=0,01), Off-Clamp approach (P=0,01), and age (P=0,02) were predictors of renal function preservation, whereas excisional volume loss (OR=1,035, CI 95% (1,015-1,06), P<0,01) predicted upstaging. RAPN for selected renal mass using Off-Clamp approach offered renal functional advantage over On-Clamp, without adding morbidities. While no ischemia technique was associated with less excisional volume loss, Off-Clamp approach, and age were independent predictors of renal function preservation. Clinical significance of these findings in various clinical settings will require further investigation.

Organ Preservation and Late Functional Outcome in Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: Rationale of EORTC 1420, the "Best of" Trial.

Dysphagia represents one of the most serious adverse events after curative-intent treatments with a tremendous impact on quality of life in patients with head and neck cancers. Novel surgical and radiation therapy techniques have been developed to better preserve swallowing function, while not negatively influencing local control and/or overall survival. This review focuses on the current literature of swallowing outcomes after curative treatment strategies. Available results from recent studies relevant to this topic are presented, demonstrating the potential role of new treatment modalities for early- and intermediate-stage oropharyngeal cancers. Based on this, we present the rationale and design of the currently active EORTC 1420 “Best of” trial, and highlight the potential of this study to help prioritizing either surgery- or radiation-based treatment modalities for the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer in the future.

Monitoring and Evaluation of Late Functional Outcome in Post-treatment Follow-Up in Clinical Routine Setting.

Patients treated for head and neck cancer (HNC) often suffer from severe and visible loss of function as the cancer itself and the side effects of aggressive treatments have the potential to severely affect quality of life. Therefore, the aim of follow-up is not only the early detection of potentially curable recurrences and second primary tumors but also the diagnosis and rehabilitation of functional impairments. Clear guidelines determining the frequency of follow-up visits are missing, and the impact of follow-up visits on patient's prognosis is unclear. An intensive post-treatment follow-up is needed to detect functional impairments and to initiate their treatment. The aim is an optimal rehabilitation of the patients. This article focusses on goals of aftercare treatment and describes the spectrum of long-term sequelae, and the impact of Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) instruments of which three will be introduced.

Laryngeal Preservation Approaches: Considerations for New Selection Criteria Based on the DeLOS-II Trial.

In the locoregional advanced group of larynx and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LHSCC), there are two kinds of patients: those who are candidates for functional larynx organ preservation (LP) by avoiding ablative surgery and those who are not. Currently, the distinction between them is depending on the patient's needs and desires, the experience and recommendation of the surgeon, the philosophy of the institution and others. The milestone VA trial established non-surgical LP in advanced LHSCC utilizing induction-chemotherapy (IC) with PF (cisplatin, P plus 5-fluorouracil, F) followed by irradiation (IC+RT) as appropriate alternative treatment to total laryngectomy (TL) already in the 1990s. Even thou the VA trial's findings were verified by the EORTC 24891 trial we have an ongoing debate about the best protocol balancing survival and laryngectomy-free survival (LFS) with acceptable late toxicity and good functional outcome. In advanced LHSCC without surgical options preserving the larynx, only IC+RT and primary concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) are accepted treatment options aiming to preserve a functional larynx. In the US, cisplatin-based CRT is still recommended as best protocol to achieve cure of the disease and LP. But current views on long term survival with functional organ preservation and still high failure rates are addressing the need of better selection of patients which will be discussed as follows taking the current debate in literature and in particular the recently published data of the DeLOS-II trial in consideration.

Subacute Elevation of Plasma Level of Caspase-Cleaved Cytokeratin-18 is Associated with Hemorrhagic Transformation and Functional Outcome in Ischemic Stroke

Background: Caspase-cleaved cytokeratin-18 (CCCK-18) is an apoptosis marker. Here, we analyzed the relationship between plasma level of CCCK-18 in the acute and subacute stage of ischemic stroke and early and late functional outcome. Besides, correlation among CCCK-18 and complications, such as hemorrhagic transformation (HT) were also explored. Methods: Plasma concentration of CCCK-18 was investigated in 54 patients at admission and poststroke 72 hours. HT was evaluated by CT scans on 24 poststroke hours. Outcome measures were assessed by modified Rankin scale at hospital discharge and 6-month later. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to determine the best cut-off values of CCCK-18 as a predictor of unfavorable functional outcome. Results: Significantly elevated CCCK-18 level was observed at 72 hours after onset of stroke, in nonsurviving compared to surviving patients (331 ± 191 ng/L versus 251 ± 164 ng/L, P = .01). Based on ROC analysis, the cut-off value of plasma CCCK-18 levels >223 ng/L at 72 poststroke hours predicted 6-month unfavorable stroke outcome with a sensitivity of 84.4% and a specificity of 77.3% (area under the curve: .851, 95% confidence interval = .745-.955, P < .001). The rate of complications such as HT and in-hospital infection was significantly higher in patients presented with a plasma CCCK-18 level above the cut-off value. Conclusions: The association between high serum CCCK-18 levels and unfavorable early and late stroke outcome in an unselected study population was first described here. Besides, the apoptosis marker CCCK-18 might be a predictor of further complication such as HT and in-hospital infection.

High complication rate after extendible endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal tibia: a retrospective study of 42 consecutive children

Background and purpose — The long-term outcome of reconstruction with extendible prostheses after resection of tumors the proximal tibia in children is unknown. We investigated the functional outcome, complication rate and final limb salvage rate after this procedure.Patients and methods — 42 children who had a primary extendible replacement of the proximal tibia for bone tumor with a Stanmore implant between 1992 and 2013 were identified in the department’s database. All notes were reviewed to identify the oncological and functional outcomes, the incidence of complications and the rate of amputation. 20 children were alive at final follow-up. Median follow-up time was 6 years and minimum follow-up for surviving patients was 3 years.Results — The overall limb salvage rate was 35/42; amputation was needed in 7 children. 15 implants were revised with a new implant. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score was 73% (40–93) at final follow-up. The overall complication rate was 32/42. Soft tissue problems were the most common mode of complication, noted in 15 children, whereas structural failure and infection occurred in 12 children each. Use of prostheses with non-invasive lengthening was associated with a higher infection rate as compared with conventional ones (4/6 vs. 8/36) and inferior limb survival.Interpretation — Extendible replacements of the proximal tibia allow for limb salvage and satisfactory late functional outcome but have a high rate of complications. The use of non-invasive lengthening implants has not shown any benefit compared with conventional designs and is, rather, associated with higher risk for infection and amputation.

COMPARISON OF THREE OPTIONS FOR TREATMENT OF CALCANEAL FRACTURE

Until now the problem of selecting a conservative or operative treatment option for calcaneal fractures and moreover the choice of the most optimal surgical procedure for such lesions have not been solved. Thus, comparative studies in this area is one of the most important tasks of the modern traumatology. Purpose of the study — to compare treatment outcomes, pattern and complications rate following the use of three treatment options for calcaneal fractures. Material and Methods. The authors analyzed treatment outcomes of 95 patients from 2013 till 2016. Mean age of patients was 39.04±12.51 years. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1 consisted of 41 patients with 54 fractures who underwent functional conservative treatment; group 2 consisted of 18 patients with 22 fractures treated by open reduction and plate fixation; group 3 consisted of 36 patients with 40 fractures treated by minimally invasive reduction and intramedullary fixation. Groups did not differ in respect of risk factors rate and rate of surgical risks under ABCDEF scale. Outcomes were evaluated basing on roentgenological criteria of reduction, complications rate and the functional scales FFI (Foot Function Index) and LEFS (Lower Extremity Functional Score). Results. Mean follow up was 20.8±9.0 months. Catamnesis was controlled in 68 out of 95 patients (71.6%). Variances were observed for all criteria of reduction quality between group 1 (no reduction) and groups 2 and 3. Groups 2 and 3 demonstrated similar criteria in respect of reduction quality of posterior articular surface, restoration of height and axis of calcaneus (р0.05). FFI and LEFS scores in group 1 were inferior to results in groups 2 and 3 (р0.05) at 6 and 12 months follow up. At 24 months follow up the variances persisted for mean values but were not statistically significant (р0.05). No differences between groups 2 and 3 were observed during all follow up terms (р0.05). Sum rate of complications in wound healing in group 2 was significantly higher than in groups 1 and 3 (р = 0.033). Conclusion. Any of the described options of surgical treatment resulted in an earlier functional restoration after calcaneal fractures as compared to conservative treatment. Reduction quality and late functional outcomes did not vary between the study groups, however, the rate of complications for wound healing in the group with open internal fixation was higher.

Associations between early postoperative pain outcome measures and late functional outcomes in patients after knee arthroplasty

Early rehabilitation, return to daily life activities and function are the ultimate goals of perioperative care. It is unclear which pain-related patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) mirror treatment effects, or are related to early and late functional outcomes. We examined associations between two approaches of pain management (scheduled vs. ‘on demand’) and PROMs on postoperative days one and five (POD1, 5) with function on POD5 and 3 months after surgery in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a single center. On POD1, patients in the scheduled treatment group reported reduced severity of worst pain, less interference of pain with activities in-bed and sleep, and a higher proportion got out of bed. Furthermore, tests of function, extension and flexion ranges, Barthel index and 6 minutes walking test on POD5, and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) 3 months later were better in the scheduled treatment compared to the ‘on demand’ treatment group. PROMs of perceived pain relief at POD1 and worst pain, time in severe pain, interference with activities in bed and with sleep, and participation in treatment decisions on POD5 were significantly associated with KOOS 3 months later. Our study demonstrates that insufficient pain management immediately after TKA has substantial impact not only on PROMs in the early days after surgery but also on important physical function up to 3 months later. Pain-related PROMs assessed at POD1 and especially at PO5 are associated with functional recovery up to 3 months.

Comparison of Therapeutic Efficacy Between Isolated Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis and Medical Treatment in Patients with Atherosclerotic Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion

Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) as a form of indirect revascularization has been recently proposed as a potentially promising alternative for patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). The object of this study was to compare the prognostic roles between isolated EDAS and medical therapy in patients with atherosclerotic middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). From January 2014 to June 2017, 125 patients with atherosclerotic MCAO were enrolled in this prospective nonrandomized controlled cohort study. Patients who underwent EDAS (n= 60) were compared with those treated medically (n= 65). Early and late adverse events and functional outcomes including memory ability were compared between groups. During 23.7 months of mean follow-up, rates of adverse events, including ischemic events in the territory of the qualifying middle cerebral artery, and death from any causes, were not significantly different in patients treated with EDAS and with medical therapy (6.7% vs. 12.3%; P=0.285). Landmark analyses showed that at initial 6-month follow-up, there was no significant difference for adverse event rates, whereas the opposite finding was shown for the subsequent period (EDAS 1/57 [1.7%] vs. medical management 7/64 [10.9%]; P= 0.024). The P value for the interaction between time (first 6 months vs. subsequent period) was 0.044. No significant differences were found with respect to neural function status and cognitive ability. In the long-term, isolated EDAS can be considered effective and safe for patients with atherosclerotic MCAO, whereas it may need additional medical therapy support in the short-term.

MULTICENTER ANALYSIS OF SURGICAL TREATMENT EFFECTIVENESS FOR PATIENTS WITH SYMPTOMATIC TANDEM STENOSIS OF THE CERVICAL AND LUMBAR SPINE BASED ON DIFFERENTIATED CLINICAL-INSTRUMENTAL ALGORITHM

Purpose of the study — to perform a multicenter analysis of the surgical treatment effectiveness for patients with symptomatic tandem stenosis of cervical and lumbar spine based on a differentiated clinical-instrumental algorithm.Material and methods. The study included 97 patients with symptomatic tandem stenosis of cervical and lumbar spine who were divided into two groups. The main group (perspective study) included 46 patients who underwent staged decompression and stabilizing manipulations according to the surgical treatment tactics developed by authors based on differentiated clinical-instrumental algorithm. Patients were operated in three neurosurgical departments of clinics in Irkutsk, Vladivostok and Novosibirsk (Russian Federation). Control group included 51 patients enrolled retrospectively. Depending on prevailing clinical signs the first decompressive and stabilizing surgical procedure were performed on cervical spine (29 cases) or on lumbar spine (21 cases). The authors made a comparative analysis of clinical and instrumental data prior to procedure and 24 months postoperatively. Median follow up in group I was 26 months (24; 30), in group II — 40 (34; 50).The authors used the following scales to assess the outcomes: VAS scale for pain severity; Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for life quality; Macnab scale for patients’ subjective satisfaction with treatment outcomes; Nurick scale for objective dynamics of neurological status; Bridwell scale for spondylolistesis rate of operated level; Pfirmann scale for rate of degenerative changes in adjacent intervertebral disc.Results. Application of the surgical tactics suggested by authors for treatment of patients with symptomatic tandem stenosis of the cervical and lumbar spine allowed to start active rehabilitation at an earlier stage in prospective group of patients which fairly positively influenced late clinical and functional outcomes. Postoperative complications rate in cervical and lumbar spine in group I amounted to 15% and in group II — to 68% (p = 0.0014).Conclusion. A differentiated and individual application of standard surgical techniques for staged procedure allowed to perform efficient decompression depending on location of pathomorphological substrate and to stabilize operated segments with lower incidence of pseudarthrosis and epidural fibrosis.

Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Surgical Management of Multiple Ventricular Septal Defects

Surgical treatment of multiple ventricular septal defects (VSDs) has advanced significantly in recent years, yet remains technically challenging. With high rates of complications and reoperations, we sought to assess the outcomes of patients undergoing a variety of management techniques for multiple VSDs. From 1988 to 2015, 157 consecutive patients underwent surgical management of multiple VSDs at a median age of 2.2 months (2 days-16 years). Sixty-nine patients (44%) had exclusively multiple VSDs, 62 patients (39%) had multiple VSDs with concomitant intracardiac anomalies, and 26 patients (17%) had multiple VSDs with aortic arch anomalies. The predominant techniques used at the initial operations were patch closure (84 patients), pulmonary artery band (83 patients), suture closure (37 patients), and sandwich technique (13 patients). Eighteen patients underwent ventriculotomies. There were 3 hospital deaths (2%). Mean follow-up time was 8.6 ± 6 years (1 day-22 years). Four patients died during follow-up, whereas freedom from reoperations was 52% (95% confidence interval 42-61%) at 16 years. Freedom from reoperation was significantly lower in the 1988-2002 era than in the post-2002 era (38% vs 73%, P = 0.016). Pacemaker implantation was ultimately required in 9% (14 of 150) of patients. No deleterious impact of a ventriculotomy could be detected. Surgical treatment of multiple VSDs can be performed with excellent short- and long-term survival, and normal late functional outcome, however, carries a significant rate of reoperation. The recent inclusion of absorbable pulmonary artery bands and the sandwich technique appear safe and are useful adjuncts in these patients.

Outcome and Quality of Life of Patients following Valve Replacement Surgery: Predictors of Healthy Survival

Background: In search of factors influencing the postoperative health-related quality of life after heart valve replacement, the present study was designed to see the effects of valve replacement on the long-term healthy survival. The aim of the study was to explore whether the Preoperative variables, such as clinical characteristics and test data could he used to predict the effects of valve replacement on functional status and quality of life in patients with heart valve malfunctions after alter surgical intervention.Method: We retrospectively identified 200 patients who underwent heart valve replacement for stenosis between 2005 and 20l2 in the department of Cardiac Surgery. BSMMU. Dhaka. Bangladesh and survived the surgery and initial 30 day postoperative period. Late follow-up between January 2013 and July 2015 was done and completed in 50% cases.Results: Among 100 study population, 47 were male and the rest 53 were female, aged 22 to 65 years (mean 37.0±7.4 years). The quality of life was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form -36 (MOS SF-36) and the functional outcome was evaluated using New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class scores, in addition to analysis of laboratory tests, like ECG, X-ray chest, echocardiography, prothrombin time. Evaluation of preoperative medical history revealed that there were hypertension in 7l%, diabetes mellitus in l3%, and history of stroke in 09% patients. Prolonged length of stay in intensive care unit and in hospital (mean: 14.7 and 37.l days respectively) was observed in 17% patients. Late postoperative survival rate was 86% at l year and 63% at the end of 5 years. Predictors of late morbidity and mortality were Preoperative or Perioperative complications, preoperative history of stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. postoperative renal dysfunction. The mean NYHA functional class for all late survivors improved from 3.6 ± 0.9 to 1.9 ± 0.7. Late survival was worse for those who were in an advanced NYHA functional class before surgery. Patient in NYHA Functional class Ill and IV had a worse late survival late than those in Class I or ll. There was Significant improvement in all 8 health domains of the SF-36 Questionnaire in the overall sample.Conclusion: The present study indicated that the late survival rate and functional outcome after heart valve replacement in Bangladeshi population with major valvular dysfunction was satisfactory. It was also observed that the preoperative physical as well as mental health status were identified as the only risk factors for potential non-improving quality of healthy survival following heart valve replacement after correction for age, gender and type after surgery.Cardiovasc. j. 2017; 10(1): 21-30

Outcome of Total Knee Replacement via Two Approaches in Indian Scenario.

This study was designed to assess the early and late clinical and functional outcome based on Knee Society Score in patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR) by medial parapatellar approach/midvastus approach. A total of 52 patients were included in the study of whom 28 patients were operated by medial parapatellar approach and 24 by midvastus approach. Patients were assessed on the basis of Knee Society Score, along with other parameters such as duration of hospital stay, blood loss during, and after surgery. The patients were followed up at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The knee objective score showed significant better scores in midvastus group at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months, but the score in both the groups was not significant at 6 months and 1 year. The knee functional score showed significant better score in midvastus group at the end of 2 and 6 weeks. However, score in both the groups was not significant by the end of 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Patients' satisfaction and expectation scores were similar in both groups at all time intervals. The functional outcome of TKR surgery by midvastus approach was better in the first 3 months in comparison to medial parapatellar approach.

Porcine Intestinal Submucosa (CorMatrix) for Semilunar Valve Repair in Children: A Word of Caution After Midterm Results

Surgery for congenital valve anomalies in children is a challenging topic. We aim to assess early and late functional outcomes of CorMatrix scaffold after repair of aortic and pulmonary valves (PV) in congenital heart disease in a prospective nonrandomized clinical study on children with congenital aortic (Group 1) or PV (Group 2) disease. Primary endpoints were reoperation or reintervention on semilunar valves and echocardiographic evidence of regurgitation or stenosis greater than mild. Results of PV repair in tetralogy of Fallot were compared with a control group of patients who underwent PV repair with polytetrafluoroethylene. A total of 22 consecutive selected patients with complex congenital heart disease were included: PV repair in 18 and aortic valve repair in 4. At discharge bidimensional echocardiography, semilunar valve regurgitation was mild in 50% of all patients. At a median follow-up of 23 months (4.3-51.3), reoperation for aortic valve replacement was necessary in 2; right ventricular outflow tract obstruction occurred in 3, requiring interventional treatment in 2. Pulmonary regurgitation degree worsened in most patients of Group 2 at follow up. When comparing patients with tetralogy of Fallot in Group 2 with patients who underwent PV repair with polytetrafluoroethylene, there were no significant differences in PV function at follow up. We conclude that CorMatrix scaffold for semilunar valve reconstruction does not present with significant advantages to traditional materials at mid term follow up. In addition, when used for pulmonary valve reconstruction, CorMatrix seems to show gradual functional deterioration in the mid term.

The safety, efficacy, and durability of lung-volume reduction surgery: A 10-year experience

ObjectivesThe National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT) validated the efficacy of lung-volume reduction surgery (LVRS) in selected patients with emphysema; however, concerns about the safety and durability of the operation have limited its clinical application. We evaluated our experience with LVRS, for the time period since approval was given by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, with respect to surgical morbidity and mortality, early and late functional outcomes, and long-term survival. MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed on 91 patients for whom consent was obtained for bilateral LVRS at our institution between January 2004 and June 2014. Primary outcomes analyzed were 6-month surgical mortality and overall survival at 1, 2, and 5 years. Secondary outcomes (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], residual volume, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, a 6-minute walk test, exercise capacity, and a shortness-of-breath questionnaire) were analyzed for mean change from baseline at 1, 2, and 5 years after LVRS. ResultsThe 6-month surgical mortality rate was 0%. At the 1- and 5-year follow-up, 69% and 36% of the patients had an improvement in FEV1. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year FEV1 change in % predicted of the FEV1, compared with baseline after LVRS, respectively, was 11.1% (95% CI: 8.6%, 13.6%); 8.7% (95% CI: 6.1%, 11.4%); and 11.1% (95% CI: 7.1%, 15.0%); and the maximal workload (in watts [W]) had an average increase of: 10.7 W (95% CI: 6.9, 14.6); 7.6 W (95% CI: 2.8, 12.4); and 10.24 W (95% CI: 4.4, 16.1). Overall survival (95% CI) for the group was: 0.99 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.00) at 1 year; 0.97 (95% CI: 0.93, 1.00) at 2 years; and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.67, 0.89) at 5 years. ConclusionsGiven proper patient selection, LVRS is a safe operation. Early functional measurements are consistent with significant clinical benefit. Long-term results demonstrate that improvements can be durable. Surgical LVRS continues to represent the standard for lung-volume reduction therapy.

A Single-Institution Retrospective Study of Jugular Foramen Schwannoma Management: Radical Resection Versus Subtotal Intracranial Resection Through a Retrosigmoid Suboccipital Approach Followed by Radiosurgery

Despite advances in skull base surgery, achieving effective surgical management of jugular foramen schwannomas (JFSs) that avoids postoperative cranial nerve (CN) deficits remains a challenge. Subtotal resection followed by radiosurgery (rather than radical resection) is increasingly being viewed as a better treatment strategy. Here, an institutional database was retrospectively analyzed for outcomes after surgical treatment of JFSs to evaluate the optimal strategy for managing JFSs. Twenty-two patients with JFSs were operated on by either radical resection (n= 13) or conservative resection plus radiosurgery (n= 9). These 2 different groups were compared in terms of early (≤4 weeks after surgery) and late postoperative functional outcome and oncologic control. No deaths occurred in either group, but there were 3 surgery-related complications in the radical resection group. Postoperative CN deficits and additional procedures related to CN morbidity were generally higher in the radical resection group, but the differences were not statistically significant. The conservative surgery group showed a statistically significant improvement in the level of dysphagia and dysphagia-related functional state in the late postoperative period. There was 1 case of recurrence after radical resection over a mean follow-up period of 73 months. All tumors in the conservative surgery group were controlled over a mean period of 34 months. Our results suggest that conservative resection of JFSs via a familiar intracranial approach plus radiosurgery may be an effective surgical alternative for improving functional outcome with adequate oncologic control.

Acute Ischemic Stroke Endovascular Treatment of Patients With Large Vessel Occlusions / Akūta Cerebrāla Infarkta Endovaskulāra Ārstēšana Pacientiem ar Maģistrālo Artēriju Oklūzijām

Abstract Mechanical thrombectomy as an active treatment method has recently been chosen for patients with large artery occlusions and thrombolysis beyond a time window. The aim of our study was to evaluate the results of endovascular treatment in patients with proximal vessel occlusion, compare this group with the intravenous thrombolysis group, and to identify possible criteria of active treatment. The prospective study included 81 patients hospitalised in the Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital due to acute ischemic stroke; 48 of them received mechanical thrombectomy and 33 - intravenous thrombolysis. Thrombectomy (TE) was performed using Solitaire FR stent retrievers. The NIHSS score was used for evaluation of early therapy results and mRS (modified Rankin Scale) was used for late therapy results. ASPECTS was used to define the lesion size using imaging on admission and after treatment. Median NIHSS on admission was higher in the TE group - 16 (range 12 to 19) than in the TL group - 12 (range 8 to 15) (p &lt; 0.05). Ninety days after treatment, mRS (0-2) was seen in 67% of patients in the TE group (n = 29), and 34% of patients in the TL group (n = 9) patients (p &lt; 0.05). Median ASPECTS was lower in TE group - 5, in comparison to the TL group - 7 (p &lt; 0.01) Mortality frequency was higher in the TL group (p &gt; 0.05). Frequency of symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhages was similar in the groups. Mechanical thrombectomy can achieve better late functional outcome than thrombolysis in a selected patients group.

Functional outcome prediction after partial nephrectomy using R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry, PADUA classification, and Centrality index score

ObjectiveSeveral scoring systems have been proposed to quantify surgical complexity, and provide an insight into expected peri- and postoperative surgical outcomes following partial nephrectomy. However, it is still unclear which of the scoring systems has a better outcome in predicting functional outcomes after partial nephrectomy. In the present study, we assess the use of R.E.N.A.L. (Radius, Exophytic/endophytic properties of the tumor, Nearness of tumor deepest portion to the collecting system or sinus, Anterior/posterior descriptor and Location relative to the polar line.), PADUA (preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score), and centrality index scores to predict the renal function for patients who underwent partial nephrectomy. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 26 cases with renal tumors managed with open partial nephrectomy at our institution from January 2008 to October 2013. R.E.N.A.L., PADUA, and centrality index scores were assigned according to the described protocols for those systems. We evaluated the association between scoring systems and both early and late postoperative functional outcomes. ResultsThe mean age of the study population was 56 years. Of the patients, 18 (69%) were men. The mean tumor size was 4.04 cm. Each scoring system performed significant correlation with both early and late functional outcomes (p < 0.05), whereas R.E.N.A.L nephrometry and PADUA classification showed high correlation (−0.715 and −0.721) and centrality index showed moderate correlation (0.451). Diameter of tumors, as a single anatomical parameter, does not correlate with functional outcome significantly (p = 0.974 1 day after surgery and p = 0.865 1 year after surgery). ConclusionR.E.N.A.L., PADUA, and centrality index scores were inversely associated with renal function preservation after partial nephrectomy. In this regard it is possible to use these scoring systems preoperatively to gauge the magnitude of functional decrease.